The Otter Vale NWR in Devon visited one of the town’s Christmas traditions recently: The Ottery St Mary Christmas Tree Festival. Local retailers, organisations and community groups sponsor and decorate a tree to reflect who they are and the trees are then displayed within St Mary’s Church.
This year featured around 30 trees including 2 based on a further 2 Ottery traditions: the kidnapping of the choir by the pixies on Pixie Day and the infamous Tar Barrels (Google them?)
One tree in particular grabbed our attention with the intricate crafting of origami birds which covered the whole tree! (Origami has featured in the Otter Vale crafting group.) This tree promoted the ‘La La choir’ who are renowned in the area for raising money for local causes.
It was a delightful afternoon finished off perfectly with hot drinks and cake!